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It means the motion you measure for something depends on where you measure from. For example, You are on the sidewalk and measure the speed of a truck and its driver to be 60mph. But if you were in the truck and measured the speed of the driver it would be zero, because now, relative to you, the driver is not moving.

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15y ago
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6mo ago

Motion being relative means that an object's motion is described in relation to another object. This concept is embodied in Newton's laws of motion and is a fundamental principle in physics. Two observers in different frames of reference can perceive an object's motion differently based on their own motion.

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Q: What do we mean when you say that motion is relative?
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What do we mean when we say that motion is relative?

When we say that motion is relative, we mean that an object's motion is described in relation to another object. This implies that there is no absolute reference point for motion, and it depends on the observer's frame of reference. Additionally, the principles of relativity outlined by Albert Einstein suggest that there is no privileged observer in the universe.


An object is in motion if its position changes relative to a what?

An object is in motion if it changes position relative to a reference point. Motion is a relative quantity and is expressed in respect to the position of another object. Example: both a car and the Earth are moving (earth is revolving around the sun) but if we express the motion of the car in respect to the Earth, we say the car is moving relative to the Earth. At the same time the earth is moving relative to the sun.


How can you say that rest and motion are relative terms?

Rest and motion are relative terms because an object's state of rest or motion is defined in relation to another object. An object can be at rest relative to one object but in motion relative to a different object. This concept is based on the principle of relativity in physics, as described by Galileo and later by Einstein in his theory of special relativity.


Does friction oppose motion or relative motion of surface in contact?

Friction opposes the relative motion of surfaces in contact. It acts in the direction opposite to the direction of motion or tendency of motion between two surfaces.


What is meant by the statement rest and motion are relative terms give example to show it?

The statement "rest and motion are relative terms" means that whether an object is considered at rest or in motion depends on the observer's frame of reference. For example, a person sitting on a bus is at rest relative to the bus, but in motion relative to a person standing on the street. This illustrates that rest and motion are relative concepts.

Related questions

A body which is in both rest and motion?

At rest and in motion are relative terms. When we say 'in motion' or 'at rest' we mean relative to something else. If you were travelling in a car for instance, you would be at rest relative to the car but in motion relative to the outside world.


When we can say the object is in motion?

When its position is changing relative to our position. Note: all motion is relative to something else.


What do we mean when we say that motion is relative?

When we say that motion is relative, we mean that an object's motion is described in relation to another object. This implies that there is no absolute reference point for motion, and it depends on the observer's frame of reference. Additionally, the principles of relativity outlined by Albert Einstein suggest that there is no privileged observer in the universe.


Does friction oppose motion or relative motion of surfaces in contact?

Relative motion


An object is in motion if its position changes relative to a what?

An object is in motion if it changes position relative to a reference point. Motion is a relative quantity and is expressed in respect to the position of another object. Example: both a car and the Earth are moving (earth is revolving around the sun) but if we express the motion of the car in respect to the Earth, we say the car is moving relative to the Earth. At the same time the earth is moving relative to the sun.


How can you say that rest and motion are relative terms?

Rest and motion are relative terms because an object's state of rest or motion is defined in relation to another object. An object can be at rest relative to one object but in motion relative to a different object. This concept is based on the principle of relativity in physics, as described by Galileo and later by Einstein in his theory of special relativity.


Does friction oppose motion or relative motion of surface in contact?

Friction opposes the relative motion of surfaces in contact. It acts in the direction opposite to the direction of motion or tendency of motion between two surfaces.


Motion relative to observers frame of?

Motion is relative to an observer's frame of Reference.


If an objects position does not change relative to a reference point is it in motion relative to that reference point?

If we're in the realm of newtonian physics I would say that it couldn't be in motion relative to a reference point, of course quantum physics and seems to prove everything we believe wrong.


Is motion relative or absolute?

motion is realtive


What does it mean to say motion is in one dimension?

One-dimensional motion is motion in a straight line.


What is meant by the statement rest and motion are relative terms give example to show it?

The statement "rest and motion are relative terms" means that whether an object is considered at rest or in motion depends on the observer's frame of reference. For example, a person sitting on a bus is at rest relative to the bus, but in motion relative to a person standing on the street. This illustrates that rest and motion are relative concepts.